Does anyone have any ideas or advice about perfecting the necessary gauge size in crocheting? It is messing me up big time, maybe I am just not understanding it well enough?

Originally Posted by CurlyHairedFarmer

I assume it's similar to what you would do with knitting. I knit on the looser size, so I use a smaller needle. Conversely, if you knit tightly, you would go with a larger size. If you're making clothing that is fitted, you need to do a swatch--switching the needle until you get the gauge that you need. If it's a scarf, afghan, etc., you want to be close--but it's not as important. Being consistent is what matters.

Originally Posted by kathymack

Oooh, why didn't I think of that?! I tend to go a little tight so maybe I will head to the craft store later and get a larger hook.

Does anyone have any ideas or advice about perfecting the necessary gauge size in crocheting? It is messing me up big time, maybe I am just not understanding it well enough?

Originally Posted by CurlyHairedFarmer

I assume it's similar to what you would do with knitting. I knit on the looser size, so I use a smaller needle. Conversely, if you knit tightly, you would go with a larger size. If you're making clothing that is fitted, you need to do a swatch--switching the needle until you get the gauge that you need. If it's a scarf, afghan, etc., you want to be close--but it's not as important. Being consistent is what matters.

Originally Posted by kathymack

Oooh, why didn't I think of that?! I tend to go a little tight so maybe I will head to the craft store later and get a larger hook.

Originally Posted by CurlyHairedFarmer

I just did a quick search for a crochet hook set--if you're going to try to crochet a bit, it may be a nice thing to have. They are inexpensive and will allow you to "play." Boye 6279 Aluminum Crochet Hook Set

That is really cheap, thanks! I have a size H and F right now, but I think having all the sizes will benefit me in the long run. I am going to keep up with this crocheting until I can master an afghan. Then it's on to knitting...

I just checked out your blog, M2LR. You make your own yarn?! That's too cool! Are you still making any?

eta: And yes I spend hours drooling over patterns too.. I have about 36 items in my queue to work on. Right now I'm only working on one project, but I want to start a few more.

Originally Posted by BekkaPoo

I haven't been spinning too much recently, but I've been buying the "bare" skeins from Knit Picks and dyeing them. Some of the colors come out terrible when I try and hand paint, so doing monochromatic
works better for me.

works better for me.

Originally Posted by M2LR

Have you tried kettle dying? That is my next project. I like hand painting; but it is so messy and time consuming, kettle dying is supposed to be quicker and less messy. I am going to use my old crock pot with one of the liners you can get.

I stated dying yarn about 18 months ago and finally got the hang of knitting about a year ago. I tried for years but it eventually just clicked. I really like knittinghelp.com.

So far I have not done a lot. For dd- a hat, capris, mitts. a top. For ds2 a blanket (which took a lot if time) and a hat. I need to make ds1 a hat, even though I haven't had time to knit since the babe was born in august...that should be a quick knit. My goal for 2012 is 12 projects...about one a month. I am also on rav. Deezee02 there too!

Originally Posted by deezee02

Pretty much all I do is kettle dying now. I use a pot on the stove, and it's totally less messy and I can leave it on the stove at low heat, walk away for a few, come back and see if the dye has been absorbed, etc.

I just realized almost all the wool I have is worsted weight and/or bulky weight. Anyone know where to get finer weight yarns and thread, but in large size skeins? I usually only see the finer weight yarns in smallish skeins..

"The challenge is to be yourself in a world that is trying to make you like everybody else."

I just realized almost all the wool I have is worsted weight and/or bulky weight. Anyone know where to get finer weight yarns and thread, but in large size skeins? I usually only see the finer weight yarns in smallish skeins..

I just realized almost all the wool I have is worsted weight and/or bulky weight. Anyone know where to get finer weight yarns and thread, but in large size skeins? I usually only see the finer weight yarns in smallish skeins..

Originally Posted by BekkaPoo

What weight are you looking for?

Originally Posted by scrills

I'm not sure.. I guess anything from lace weight yarns to bedspread weight thread. I'm not even that good crocheting with worsted weight yet, but I always wind up buying those since they come in giant sizes (thing Lb of Love type yarn).

"The challenge is to be yourself in a world that is trying to make you like everybody else."

The only places that I have found truly decent lace/fingering/sock yarns are at local yarn shops. They do come in larger skeins, but they also cost a bit more than what you'd find at a JoAnn's or Michaels. You can find some smaller weight yarn at thos stores, but it will be the smaller skeins/balls.

You might also want to try etsy, as there are a TON of yarns out there, again, might be more $$ because of the fiber, or because they are handspun, etc.

I am going to assume you've checked out the Lion Brand site? They have a bunch of different yarns/weights, along with patterns. Ravelry might also have some great suggestions if you do a "stash" or yarn search.

I've crocheting like crazy to open a new etsy store. Here are some of the sample pictures. I'm still practicing to get the best shot

Originally Posted by scrills

I LOVE that! So pretty.

Scrills I have the same kind of display and I have found (for me) that our stuff started looking better when the display had a shirt on. But I have bad lighting in my house so that might be why. I think your shots of that scarf look great. I'm jealous that I can't quite seem to capture our stuff like that

High Priestess JessMess, follower of the Goddess of the Coiling Way and Confiscator of Concoctions in the Order of the Curly Crusaders